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NUM’s NUMmonitor software is said to enable users of multi-process CNC machine tools such as transfer machines to implement process monitoring without incurring additional hardware costs. Through real-time monitoring of the power/current values of the electric motors on a transfer machine throughout its milling, turning or grinding processes, NUMmonitor minimizes downtime and maintains production quality by guarding against faults, the company says.

The software initially operates in “learn” mode to acquire the varying loads and drive currents of motors when the CNC machine tool is running at optimal performance levels and with a sharp new tool. Eight motors can be monitored simultaneously throughout the machine’s operating cycle, and the software accommodates up to 11 different error detection criteria per motor. In the case of multi-NCK systems, an additional eight motors can be monitored for each additional NCK.

Cycle-time related operating parameters determined from this process form “known good” event references which can then be used for comparison purposes against data sampled during subsequent production runs. User-programmed amplitude, duration and integral thresholds determine whether an event constitutes an “alert,” “alarm” or “shutdown” condition.

The new NUMmonitor software option can be installed and used on any Flexium+ CNC system running NUM’sFlexium software version 4.1.10.10 or higher. TheFlexium+ includes a PC which can handle data from the servodrives’ measurement points, a programmable logic controller (PLC) with direct access to machine parameters and an NCK oscilloscope capable of reading values in real time. All system communications are handled by FXServer, using fast real-time Ethernet (RTE) networking.

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A panel discussion at the recent Top Shops Conference focused on various points of view regarding the value of connecting machine tools to a network for monitoring performance and recording results. Because machine monitoring helps a shop make better decisions about manufacturing processes, it is a good example of data-driven manufacturing in action.